A patient requests to have ALL their teeth extracted. The dentist refuses without adequate clinical justification. Which ethical principle does this MOST violate?

Correct answer: B. Autonomy (patient's right to make their own informed decisions about their care)

• A. Beneficence (acting in the patient's best interest) might seem relevant, but it cannot override a competent patient's informed autonomous choice.
• B. Correct. AUTONOMY is the patient's right to self-determination — to make informed decisions about their own healthcare, even if the dentist disagrees with that choice. If the patient is competent, informed of the consequences, and makes a deliberate decision to have all teeth extracted, refusing without adequate justification VIOLATES THEIR AUTONOMY. The dentist can counsel against it, explain the risks, and offer alternatives, but ultimately must respect the patient's decision.
• C. Justice relates to fair and equitable distribution of care — not the primary principle here.
• D. Non-maleficence would be violated if the dentist PERFORMED an unnecessary harmful procedure — refusing treatment is different.